lbuttery

I have changed many of the dims in my last project to use 1/1 as the smallest fraction to do that change the "use default" setting has to be unchecked is there any way to global reset all the dims to use 1/16 for fractions and set "use default" ? Lew

Perry: Hmmm, glad it works for you I just wouldn't feel comfortable doing that Lew

when I measure with the disto, I will round off the measurements to the nearest inch Perry: Hmmm, that would introduce a lot of error in an as-built things just wouldn't jive "here and there" Lew

so it shouldn't be a problem to get an even number. even at 1/16. Perry: huh ? I don't understand ??? with a Disto I measure to 1/16 and model to 1/16 but all those fractions can clutter up a plan and most of the time I don't want to see them yes, I allow a 2" tolerance for a few of the dims if I start to get a lot then something is wrong and another site visit may be in order Lew

all you need to do in the Default Dims DBX is change the Fraction Dimension from 1/4" to 1/1" and those Dims using the Defaults will change , even the already placed ones. Mick: you are correct it does work: 1. leave primary format set to "use default" for each/every dim 2. set the default primary dim to desired min fraction - usually 1/16 3. place dims as needed - any dims with fractions will show the fraction 4. when desired to hide the fractions choose "default settings" dbx set primary dims to 1/1 to display to nearest whole inch - or maybe 1/2 for nearest 1/2 - or maybe 1/4 for nearest 1/4 5. reverse step 4 when fractions are desired again it would be easier if CA would create a toggle for this on/off display Lew

I like to actually have the walls exactly where they need to be by moving them to not have fractions. my dims and grid snaps are set to 1/4" ,but if I don't want to see a fraction, move the wall when needed, then the model will be better. Perry: that may work for new construction (for the most part) but when working with as-builts - not even close to being able to do that Lew

My worst feature is NO hardware lock my friend (partner) and I will be staying with X9 also, still waiting for the Library to be fixed to allow sub folders etc and to have all the libraries replicate the website structure 1 for 1 also, still waiting for Ruby to have recordable macro capability also, still waiting for true BIM capabilty best feature is probably "plan sets" but I haven't tried them out Lew

Mick: thanks, got tied up today will try it out soonest Lew

double click the dim tool and change the defaults. If the individual dims are on default settings and on the active layer you can change the default and it will change all the dims it is my understanding that it won't change dims that have already been placed I'll try the group select but have doubts that it will work, need to try later this eve I'm still thinking a simple on/off toggle would be best Lew

Mick: I suspected it wouldn't affect already placed dims so, if there is no current solution for toggling fractions on/off I will post a suggestion that a toggle be created Lew

Eric: no joy with using annosets ??? I created a copy of the 1/4 scale dimension defaults as 1/4 scale dimension defaults - no fractions and set the smallest fraction to 1/1 I created a copy of the 1/4 scale annotations as 1/4 scale annotations - no fractions and set it to use 1/4 scale dimension defaults - no fractions nothing changed ??? what else do I need to do ??? Lew NO_FRACTIONS_TEST.plan

Eric: Hmmm, I'll check them out so far never had a need to use them still seems it would be nice to have a simple toggle maybe with a hotkey ... Lew

I know how to use Dim "primary format" to hide fractions by displaying to nearest inch but this has to be set each and every dim - if desired is there a way to display the fractions and then toggle to not display back and forth as needed ? I like to model using the fractions - but I don't like them displaying - too much clutter on the plans most of the time no one cares if a dim is 5' 9/16" or 5' 1" Lew

I use a 37" tv/monitor set to 720P resolution it works great when clients come - no having to squeeze in shoulder to shoulder Lew

Michael: thanks so very much for the refresher on setting materials and transparency I now have the "placement block" set to transparency in plan mode and 3D mode your tip on using "replace from library" works very nicely so I suspect the "placement block" may not be needed anymore open the attached site plan and in 3D mode turn off the "placement block" layer then select the "Sawmill Symbol" and use "replace from library" and choose the TEST sawmill symbol you should see one wall turn to blue paneling in the past there has been debate over the "hassle" of keeping each building in a separate plan and then creating them as symbols to be placed in the master site plan "replace from library" appears to have eliminated this hassle fantastic Lew BUTTERY_SAWMILL_CT_SITE_180211_0950_LBX9.zip

Michael: wow, forgot about that after dinner I will give it a try thanks Lew

Michael: any thoughts on a "better/easier" way to replace the Sawmill symbol if it ever needs updating ? Lew

Michael: fantastic thanks for taking the time to make a video that should do the trick Lew

trial versions are specifically designed as trial versions so that nothing of value can be produced Understood, yet only they may have tools that can do something we can't ? Lew

On Monday contact CA's tech support they may have some tips or they might even be able to do it for you ??? Lew

Michael: with the fill style set to solid the "transparency pattern background" is "grayed out" Hence I didn't try the transparency slider (I should have tried) I had set the "Fill Style" to sand and tried the transparency slider in 3D mode and nothing happened I just tried it with fill style "solid" I now see that it changes the transparency in plan mode I do like it at 50% transparency in plan mode is it possible to control the transparency in 3D mode ? that was my goal - to see the Sawmill with the "placement block" in transparent mode thanks Lew

I just changed the fill style to solid and bumped the transparency up Michael: I had tried that but the transparency setting was "grayed out" ??? I'll try again Lew

Perry: this is a brand new model done in X9 you must be thinking of something else I did awhile back Lew

I prefer to have a separate plan for each building then create a 3D symbol of each building and store in the library then create a site plan with the terrain and roads and sidewalks and then place each building symbol in the site plan as has been noted if the building needs changes then a new symbol has to be created and the placed in the site plan I'm seeking an easy way to place the new symbol in its proper location I'm trying to use a "placement block" sized such that the building needs to fit within the blocks "envelope" I have the placement block as a polyline solid and set to red in plan mode I currently have the "Sawmill_Symbol" layer off - turn that layer on to see how the Sawmill fits within the "placement block" envelope I would like the "placement block" to be somewhat transparent so you can see the block and yet still readily see the Sawmill inside I have fussed with the transparency slider but to no joy I have forgotten how to adjust materials etc any pointers on where I go to do this adjustment - there are so many dbx's and so many settings that I am lost I don't understand why the transparency slider is having zero effect ? also, try moving the Sawmill Symbol away from the placement block and then placing it properly within again any tips on how to ensure accurate placement - hopefully "easily" ? thanks for any tips Lew BUTTERY_SAWMILL_CT_SITE_180210_1120_LBX9.zip

If you pay $1900 for an additional seat to get X10 I think you would be required to pay $1600 to upgrade your X6 to X10 also but I may be wrong probably best to contact CA's sales - they close at 5 Pm Pacific on Friday for the weekend Lew